Summery Lentil Salad
Max Baroni & Lydia Keating
Photo by Photo by Food52
- Serves
- 4 Servings
- Prep Time
- 20 mins
- Cook Time
- 10 mins
This herby lentil salad is packed with texture, flavor, and fiber—perfect for meal prep, picnics, or a quick no-sad-desk-lunch moment. Tossed in a simple, punchy vinaigrette, it’s done in under 30 minutes.
With thanks to our partner in nutritious lunches, Planet Oat.
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Dry green lentils
- 2 Cloves Garlic, smashed
- 2 Carrots, grated
- 10-15 Snap peas, sliced on the bias
- 1 bunch Each of dill, cilantro, and chervil (or whatever soft herbs you've got on hand)
- 1 Lemon
- 2 Tbsp Red wine vinegar
- 1 Tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 Shallot, finely minced
- Olive oil
- Salt & black pepper
Tools + Plating
- Medium or pot (for cooking lentils)
- Fine mesh strainer or colander
- Grater or box grater (for the carrots)
- Mixing bowl/wood bowl (for the salad)
- Small bowl or jar (for the dressing)
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Spoons or tongs (for mixing everything together)
Directions
- Step 1
Rinse your lentils and throw them in a pot with a drizzle of olive oil and the smashed garlic cloves.
- Step 2
Toast that for a couple of minutes, then cover with about 3 cups of water.
- Step 3
Add a few pinches of salt, bring it to a simmer, then lower the heat and cook until tender—around 20 minutes. If there's extra water at the end, no worries—just drain it off. Let the lentils cool down a bit, either on the counter or in the fridge.
- Step 4
While they cook, make your dressing. Mix the red wine vinegar, Dijon, a pinch of salt, the minced shallot, and enough olive oil to balance it out—maybe 3–4 tablespoons. Let the shallot hang out in there so it softens and gets a little sweet.
- Step 5
Grate the carrots and toss them in a bowl with a little olive oil and lemon juice to keep them bright.
- Step 6
Slice up the snap peas and add them in.
- Step 7
Roughly chop the herbs and throw those in too.
- Step 8
Once the lentils are cool, mix them in and pour the dressing over everything. Toss it well, taste, and adjust the seasoning.